Sunan Giri's Tomb

Sunan Giri's Tomb: Epicenter of Da'wah and Symbol of Islamic Glory in Gresik

Sunan Giri's Tomb is not merely an ancient burial complex, but a historical monument that records the journey of spiritual and political transition in the Nusantara. Located on Giri Hill, Kebomas District, Gresik Regency, East Java, this site is the final resting place of Raden Paku, better known by the title Sunan Giri or Prabu Satmata, one of the most influential members of the Wali Songo in the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia.

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Historical Origins and the Founding of Giri Kedaton

The history of Sunan Giri's Tomb cannot be separated from the establishment of Giri Kedaton in 1487 AD. Raden Paku, son of Syekh Maulana Ishak and Dewi Sekardadu (daughter of the Blambangan Kingdom), founded an Islamic religious education center that developed into a kedatuan (small kingdom). The hilltop location was chosen based on the guidance of his teacher, Sunan Ampel, who asked Raden Paku to find land similar to the soil of his birthplace.

After his passing in 1506 AD, Sunan Giri was buried at the location that is now the core of the site complex. Over time, this complex developed not only as a resting place but also as a symbol of spiritual authority recognized by Islamic kingdoms in the Nusantara, from Demak, Pajang, to Mataram, even extending its influence to the regions of Maluku and Ternate.

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Architecture: A Blend of Hindu-Javanese and Islamic Aesthetics

The main uniqueness of Sunan Giri's Tomb lies in its architecture, which reflects cultural acculturation. The site is built on a tiered hill, a concept resembling the megalithic stepped terraces or Hindu temple structures.

1. Gapura Bentar and Paduraksa: Access to the main tomb must pass through a series of gates. The use of Gapura Bentar (without a roof) and Gapura Paduraksa (with a roof) shows the continuity of architectural art from the Majapahit era adapted within an Islamic context. The carvings on the gates feature intricate floral and geometric motifs, avoiding depictions of living beings in accordance with the Islamic art principles of that time.

2. Main Cungkup (Mausoleum): The core building or cungkup that shelters Sunan Giri's tomb is made of high-quality teak wood with a characteristic Nusantara tiered roof. Inside, there are very fine openwork carvings (reliefs). The entrance to the cungkup is low, requiring every pilgrim to bow their head as a symbol of respect and humility to the Creator.

3. Tombstone and Jirat: Sunan Giri's tomb itself has a tombstone adorned with distinctive carvings indicating the year and floral motifs. Around the main tomb are the graves of his wife, Dewi Murtasiyah, as well as his son and close relatives.

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Historical Significance and Political Role

Sunan Giri's Tomb holds a unique position in Javanese historiography. Sunan Giri was not only seen as a religious leader but also as the "Pope of the East" (a designation from Dutch colonial reports) due to his influence in legitimizing the power of Islamic kings.

One of the crucial historical events was the role of Giri Kedaton as a determinant of succession in the Sultanate of Demak. Every prospective king in Java at that time felt their power was less legitimate if they did not receive the blessing or coronation from the ruler of Giri. This made the Sunan Giri's Tomb site a symbol of independent Islamic political sovereignty, free from the influence of old feudal powers.

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Related Figures and Unique Heritages

Besides Sunan Giri himself, important figures are also buried in this complex, such as Sunan Prapen (Sunan Giri's grandson), who brought Giri Kedaton to its peak of political and cultural glory. One rarely known unique fact is the existence of "Telaga Pegat" (Lake of Separation) at the foot of the hill, which, according to legend, was created from the leftover water of Sunan Giri's ablution and is closely related to the site's spatial arrangement as an element of life.

Within this complex are also preserved historical artifacts such as the original Bedug (large drum) from the past and several small inscriptions recording past renovations of the site. The use of porcelain tiles from China and Europe on some parts of the walls indicates the extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations established by the Giri authorities at that time.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a national Cultural Heritage Site, Sunan Giri's Tomb is managed under the strict supervision of the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region XI. Restorations are carried out periodically to maintain the authenticity of the teak wood structure in the cungkup, which is vulnerable to decay and termite infestation.

The Gresik Regency Government has also undertaken area development, including the construction of a museum around the site to store artifacts found at the Giri Kedaton site. Conservation efforts are not only focused on the physical buildings but also on the management of the hilly environment to prevent landslides that could threaten the structures on the hilltop.

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Religious and Cultural Meaning for the Community

To this day, Sunan Giri's Tomb remains a primary spiritual magnet in East Java. Every year, thousands of people attend the "Malam Selawe" (Thirtieth Night) ritual, which falls on the 25th night of Ramadan. This tradition originated from the habit of Sunan Giri's santri (students) who increased their worship in the final days of Ramadan, which later developed into a cultural and economic phenomenon for the people of Gresik.

In addition, there is the "Rebo Wekasan" tradition, also related to honoring ancestors in Giri. For the local community, the existence of this tomb is a reminder of the concept of Manunggaling Kawula Gusti (union of servant and master) in the context of social devotion and peaceful religious propagation through cultural approaches, such as through wayang kulit (shadow puppet theater) and tembang dolanan (children's songs) (like Lir-Ilir and Cublak-Cublak Suweng), which are believed to be creations of Sunan Giri.

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Conclusion

Sunan Giri's Tomb is a silent testament to an era where religion, politics, and art merged in perfect harmony. This site is not just a pilgrimage destination but a historical laboratory that shows how Islam permeated the depths of Javanese culture without destroying the existing local wisdom. With its magnificent architecture on the hill and its profound history, Sunan Giri's Tomb will continue to be an inseparable identity of Gresik and the grand history of Indonesia.